On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and service of our nation’s veterans.
Originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, Veterans Day has evolved into a day to thank all U.S. military veterans, past and present, for their dedication to protecting our country.
Across the nation, ceremonies, parades, and moments of remembrance are held to pay tribute to those who have served.
Since it is a federal holiday, many government offices and banks are closed in observance.
In Logan County, we have nearly 3,000 local heroes.
Among them are five who served in World War II, 179 who served in the Korean War, 986 Vietnam War veterans, 508 who served in the Gulf War from 1990 to 2001, and 397 who served in the Gulf War in 2001 or later.
In neighboring Champaign County, there are just about 2,500 local heroes.
This includes four World War II veterans, 89 who served in the Korean War, 1,004 Vietnam War veterans, 566 from the Gulf War between 1990 and 2001, and 260 who served in the Gulf War from 2001 or later.
Several Veterans Day activities are happening around Logan County today.
Riverside and Benjamin Logan Schools are hosting breakfast and veterans ceremonies starting at 8 a.m., while Indian Lake will hold a luncheon and ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
At 11:11 a.m., the Logan County Veteran Celebration begins outdoors at the Courthouse flagpole and then moves inside the Holland Theatre for a featured speaker, Staff Sgt. Carl C. Adams, assistant operations chief at Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company and a Bellefontaine native.
After the ceremony, attendees can head to American Legion Post #173 for a free lunch for veterans, featuring pork cubed steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a vegetable.
The meal is open to the public.
This Veterans Day, we pause to reflect, thank, and honor the courage and commitment of our veterans.
